The harmful effects of divorce on children is something we are extremely reluctant to discuss probably because it is too close to the bone for many people, especially the adults involved. But if it affects children, then we should discuss it or we are only burying away the problem. A major new study from the...
A major new poll commissioned by The Iona Institute reveals public attitudes towards the Catholic Church, Christianity and religion. This is one of the most wide-ranging polls published to date on the matter. It was carried out by Amarach Research. Here are the major findings: People are much more favourably disposed towards Catholic teachings than towards the...
In a previous blog, I analysed the latest marriage data from the CSO. What stands out is the fact that (not counting the Covid years), our marriage rate last year dropped to just 3.8 per thousand adults, the lowest level ever recorded. Let’s take a closer look at what going on. For a start, the...
A new Pew Research Center study offers compelling insights into religious switching worldwide. ‘Religious switching’ includes ceasing to be religious or changing religion. Christianity, particularly in Western and high-income nations, is undergoing significant transformation. The study, spanning 36 countries (excluding Ireland), reveals a notable decline in Christian affiliation, primarily driven by individuals abandoning their childhood...
Ireland’s marriage rate has now reached its lowest ever level, not including the years of the pandemic. At 3.8 marriages per thousand adults last year, the rate has fallen below the EU average and is very likely to fall even lower. In 2024, there were 19,680 opposite-sex marriages registered in Ireland, marking a 4.1pc decrease...
Often overlooked in coverage of the pontificate of Pope Francis (RIP) were his strong comments on the family, the right to life, the dangers of gender ideology and the emerging demographic crisis. Here we have collated some of his thoughts on these important issues. The family The family – as God wants it, composed of...
‘The Quiet Revival’, a major new report from the Bible Society in the UK has found something surprising: a significant upsurge in church attendance, especially among young people, challenging previous assumptions about Christianity’s long-term decline in that country. Based on YouGov surveys of over 13,000 people in England and Wales, the report reveals a 56pc...
Fertility rates are plunging around the world and have dropped in many cases to less than the replacement level of 2.1 children per couple. The finger of blame (so to speak) has been pointed in many directions, not least the cost of living and changes in values. But a new piece of research reckons part...
A new paper from the Anscombe Bioethics Centre in Oxford warns against using Australia as a model for UK laws on assisted suicide and euthanasia. Both the UK Parliament at Westminster and the Scottish Parliament are currently considering bills that would legalise what is often called “assisted dying”. In his briefing paper Wrong Side of the...
Just like in the South, the population of Northern Ireland is ageing rapidly. A recent report from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) projects that by mid-century there will be one pensioner for every 2.5 people in the workforce compared with one for almost four people of working age now. NISRA expects the...
